Patty Berg

Class of: 1961

Sport: Golf

Patricia Jane Berg (February 13, 1918 – September 10, 2006) was a professional golfer and a founding member and then leading player on the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) Tour during the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s. Her 15 major title wins remains the all-time record for most major wins by a female golfer. She is a member of the World Golf Hall of Fame.

Patty won the inaugural U.S. Women’s Open in 1946. Berg won a total of 57 events on the LPGA and WPGA circuit, and was runner-up in the 1957 Open. She was runner-up in the 1956 and 1959 LPGA Championships. In addition, Berg won the 1953, 1957, and 1958 Western Opens, and the 1955 and 1957 Titleholders, both considered majors at the time. Her last victory came in 1962. She was voted the Associated Press Woman Athlete of the Year in 1938, 1942 and 1955.

In 1963, Berg was voted the recipient of the Bob Jones Award, the highest honor given by the United States Golf Association in recognition of distinguished sportsmanship in golf. Berg received the 1986 Old Tom Morris Award from the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America, GCSAA’s highest honor. The LPGA established the Patty Berg Award in 1978.

In her later years, Berg teamed-up with PGA Tour player and fellow Fort Meyers, FL resident Nolan Henke to establish the Nolan Henke/Patty Berg Junior Masters to promote the development of young players.